The U.S. Navy has revealed a new very-long-range air-to-air missile called the AIM-424 “Malice,” now in advanced testing. Photos show the weapon loaded on an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from VX-23 and an F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, confirming compatibility with both platforms. The missile is designed to arm the Navy’s current and future fighters, including the upcoming F/A-XX next-generation naval fighter.
Malice is a two-stage weapon intended to outrange existing air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-260 JATM. Its larger size and multi-stage design suggest extreme range and high speed, aligning with Pentagon goals for weapons capable of reaching 1,000 miles. This capability aims to counter enemy anti-access strategies and close the missile gap with China, where long-range air-to-air weapons are a priority.
The Pentagon has pursued multi-stage air-to-air missile programs for years, with Malice joining classified efforts like the Long-Range Engagement Weapon (LREW). While its manufacturer and secondary modes remain unclear, the missile resembles Boeing’s earlier LRAAM concept. Further details on its range, speed, and target profiles are expected in upcoming analysis.
